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Monday, December 31, 2012

At no other time of the year is the "Te Deum" googled or searched more than now It is traditionally sung on the last day of the year. Usually, we chant this at Assumption Grotto when a sizeable crowd gathers for the 11:00 PM Mass on New Years Eve for the Solemnity of the Mother of God - a holy day of obligation. A post-Mass Rosary is prayed, then around 12:30, after Detroit celebrations subside, we head over to the school for a midnight pot-luck dinner and some champagne.

I fully expect Fr. Perrone will do as he has in past years and have a concelebrated Novus Ordo with all priests available. The Tridentine is likely going to be at the usual 9:30 AM time-slot.

There is a plenary indulgence involving the Te Deum Laudamus on the last day of the year and the Veni Creator Spiritus on the first day of the year. Both of those are offered, before and after Mass tonight, respectively. They are chanted in Latin.

It is no surprise that people googling for the "Te Deum" would land here at a blog which takes it's name from the hymn. We have it in both Latin and English.

Te Deum, also sometimes called the Ambrosian Hymn because if its association with St. Ambrose, is a traditional hymn of joy and thanksgiving. First attributed to Sts. Ambrose, Augustine, or Hilary, it is now accredited to Nicetas, Bishop of Remesiana (4th century). It is used at the conclusion of the Office of the Readings for the Liturgy of the Hours on Sundays outside Lent, daily during the Octaves of Christmas and Easter, and on Solemnities and Feast Days. The petitions at the end were added at a later time and are optional. A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who recite it in thanksgiving and a plenary indulgence is granted if the hymn is recited publicly on the last day of the year.

Below this video you will find the text for Latin and English

Now this is a version of Te Deum Laudamus on steroids! It's by Berlioz...

ENGLISH O God, we praise Thee, and acknowledge Thee to be the supreme Lord.
Everlasting Father, all the earth worships Thee.
All the Angels, the heavens and all angelic powers,
All the Cherubim and Seraphim, continuously cry to Thee:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts!
Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of Thy glory.
The glorious choir of the Apostles,
The wonderful company of Prophets,
The white-robed army of Martyrs, praise Thee.
Holy Church throughout the world acknowledges Thee:
The Father of infinite Majesty;
Thy adorable, true and only Son;
Also the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.
O Christ, Thou art the King of glory!
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
When Thou tookest it upon Thyself to deliver man,
Thou didst not disdain the Virgin's womb.
Having overcome the sting of death, Thou opened the Kingdom of Heaven to all
believers.
Thou sitest at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father.
We believe that Thou willst come to be our Judge.
We, therefore, beg Thee to help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy
Precious Blood.
Let them be numbered with Thy Saints in everlasting glory.

A popular image found when searching "Our Lady of Medjugorje" on the web

On a blog I have dedicated to some analysis surrounding documents involving Medjugorje, I discuss whether we can find any indication that the Church has permitted a cultus, or a cult of devotion, to "Our Lady of Medjugorje" - a title often seen on websites and in comment boxes by those who support the alleged apparitions.

I don't permit comments on that blog as it is informational. I will leave comments open here for discussion, after my analysis is read. However, you MUST sign the comment, if using the anonymous option. And, comment moderation is on so I will publish them as I have time. If you want your comment published, don't say anything you wouldn't say in person, and state your position in a respectful manner.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

I try not to comment on Medjugorje unless there is something else out there causing a stir. When a British tabloid apparently used osmosis to get into the Holy Father's head on Medjugorje (proclaiming boldly that a full blown approval is in the works), it was hard not to comment late last night.

It's interesting that the moment a skeptic ponders something publicly, they are reprimanded by followers who say they are suppose to, "wait-and-see" and let the Commission finish it's work. Yet, it is the Medjugorje movement that is unwilling to cease it's endless promotion, sometimes building hope in followers that, to my mind, is cruel, given that a negative judgment is among the possibilities.

I would like to address some other things that came floating out in English language sites on Medjugorje. The source of those reports is the Croatian daily, Večernji list, which says the following (and I give you this crude google translation, which made a mess of the translation after the "nor will...")

With what little Croatian I can remember, it looks to me like it is basically saying the 31 year old phenomenon will not be fully crossed-out, either. In other words, it appears Večernji list is suggesting a sort of compromise is forthcoming.

The same Croatian paper also said that Bishop Peric, and Fr. Jozo Zovko were both interviewed/examined by the Commission. And, their source is claiming the commission is needing about another 6 months.

As a general rule, I don't always trust sources who openly promote the phenomenon and often treat the local bishop in a condescending way. Sometimes it's subtle. See a very blatant example of an untruth found on what is considered the official website of the Medjugorje phenomenon to understand how far some will stretch the truth. Authentic apparitions have no need of such nonsense to get approved.

I believe authentic apparitions prompt respect for ecclesial authority even when they are in error. With most approved apparitions, we see visionaries seriously challenged by local Church authority, but never do we see the Blessed Virgin Mary prompt the kind of disdain for a bishop in followers as we have seen with Medjugorje. With what you read on some sites, you would think the bishop is an enemy of the Church!Speculation alert

Let us ponder for a moment that the report from Večernji list is accurate and that our understanding is they are suggestingsome sort of compromise is forthcoming.

The Pope can't sort of..., kind of..., pronounce a clear message on the question of Medjugorje (the Nuncio's words in March 2010). I think the Holy Father will do exactly what Archbishop Alessandro D'Errico said back then and, on the question of Medjugorje, pronounce a clear message.

But, what is "the question" on which the Holy Father will pronounce a clear message?

I think the biggest question on the mind of most Catholics is (A) is there sufficient evidence to affirm that nothing supernatural is happening with regards to the visions themselves? Or, (B) is there sufficient evidence to suggest the alleged apparitions may some day be approved as authentic (private revelations would not be approved if they are ongoing as it could harm the credibility of the Church if, after approval, clear evidence emerges to the contrary).

You can't compromise on those two things, folks. Some suggest there is, (C) which is to say that the Pope could maintain status quo in the context that everybody keeps doing what they are doing from the visionaries to devotees, with some clarifications issued (pro-Medjugorje sources believe the Pope will clamp down on skeptics and critics; and critics and skeptics believe the Pope will clamp down on the activities of the visionaries, devotees and others enabling them). The only problem I have digesting (C) is that there would have been no need for a commission and, to my mind, it is a solution which contradicts the Nuncio's words in 2010. In other words, how do you pronounce a clear message on the question of Medjugorje leaving things as they are?

I have other reasons for not entertaining (C) so much myself.

Pope Benedict XVI is a co-worker of truth

The Holy Father is a man who has fought tooth and nail against relativism - where everyone gets to choose their own convenient "truth." Either there is something happening with these visionaries that is worthy of belief, or worthy of a "wait and see," or not worthy of belief at all.

His Holiness has also fought against consequentialism where the ends justifies the means (such as engaging in evil for the sake of a good outcome). So, if Holy Church has evidence that nothing supernatural is happening with regards to the visions (for speaking purposes only), that leaves either fraud, diabolical involvement (preternatural), or some other explanation that is not supernatural. With fraud, there is lying and lying is a form of evil. Diabolical involvement is evil. Setting asidepossible medical or psychiatric problems, charity would demand that all connected with it, especially visionaries, be given an opportunity to deal with the consequences here in this life, rather than in the next.

And, here is another big question associated with Medjugorje: With regards to the good things we see like conversions, vocations, and strong devotion - are they fruits of the alleged phenomenon, or are they something else?

Let us consider that Pope Benedict has shown he is willing to make tough decisions for the sake of truth, even when there are overwhelming, supposed "good fruits" to be cited, and serious withdrawal symptoms to be experienced by members of the Church.

Marcel Maciel's behavior was condemned in the firmest way by the Holy See and Pope Benedict XVI cut through the smoke. Yet no one would argue that the many vocations in the Legion of Christ were bad or inauthentic. They were, in fact, good. But, were they good fruits of Maciel's work or something else? I believe the answer is found in Scripture, specifically, Romans 5:20, which teaches us that where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more. Good does not flow from evil, as it can only flow from another good. Rather, good rises above evil for the benefit of the Church. This is pretty much what Cardinal Saraiva Martins was saying in his interview on Medjugore when asked questions some years ago about the case. He held the top spot on the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, so he is not a novice when it comes to discernment.

If there is a compromise on anything, could it be on what to do with the place of Medjugorje, in the wake of a negative judgment; or, if the Holy Father wants the visionaries to cease with public manifestations of their visions, and wants an end to promotion of "messages," publications, etc.? He is the ultimate arbiter of whether anything these visionaries say or do is needed by the faithful.

Consider that the larger, approved apparitions, did not involve a parish Church the way Medjugorje has (Lourdes apparitions happened in a filthy grotto; Fatima in a field; Guadalupe on a path). It initially began on a hill, but ended up in the parish church, and it is the parish church that most associate with the phenomenon. If a negative judgment were to come, what would the Church do about the popular destination of Medjugorje? Historically, the Church has discouraged pilgrimages to sites where apparitions were said to be not supernatural. But, how do you tell people not to visit a parish church or an area that has become a sort of retreat center, especially for youth? I often wonder if this is where such a compromise could arise. Yet, it seems unlikely that people will not persist as if it was approved in such a scenario.

I have no idea what kind of clear message the Holy Father will pronounceabout Medjugorje, but I trust that truth will not be compromised. I also trust his prudence more than mine on how to handle the millions who have become very attached to this phenomenon. One thing I think we can all look forward to is a great deal of catechesis on all of these things, for people at every level of the Church. This would be a real act of mercy given that we are in an age where alleged apparitions are a dime a dozen. It has become an industry in itself. Many modern day private revelation claims and alleged apparitions also have their roots in Medjugorje, and from them, more sales of books and other items. How can the Church address these before Medjugorje itself is addressed? And, what becomes of them if Medjugorje goes down?

I most especially hope more clear guidelines will be laid out for bishops on what to permit or not permit when a phenomenon has not been approved. It seems like common sense that no parish, cathedral or shrine should host visionaries before their visions are fully discerned (especially ruling out diabolical involvement). It lends credibility to something that could some day end up with a negative judgment. When bishops allow visionaries from other dioceses to have manifestations of these things in their own area of responsibility, all the while the local bishop and local bishops' conference does not permit these things, it reveals division at an ecclesial level. What else can we expect but further division among the laity? The fact that such division exists, should lead us to question the origins of such an entity. Satan loves to divide the Church in an effort to conquer (but we know Who wins in the end).

Many have written me in recent weeks frustrated by the wait. To each of them I have said the same: I trust the Holy Father who has a much bigger task than simply pronouncing a clear message on the question of Medjugorje. Pope Benedict XVI needs to do this in a way that will keep as many people in the fold as possible. I have already seen people publicly say in forums that if it comes down to "gospa" or the Church, they will choose "gospa." This is no laughing matter. The Church let it go on this long and only the Church can resolve the great division. I hope we won't have to wait too much longer, but I do trust that the Pope is being very careful so that his message is very clear and will not leave the Church divided for another 30 years. My suggestion: Be patient yet. In the meanwhile, pray for all concerned.

Comments are open. I am allowing anonymous comments, but you must enter a name somewhere. I suggest signing your comment first, then typing above the signature so you don't forget. The most contemptuous comments come from those who hide behind anonymity where they say things they would never say using their real name, or in such a vile tone. Say what you will, feel free to disagree, but be respectful if you want your comment to appear. Don't say anything in any comment box you wouldn't say to someone's face or with your real name assigned.

Comment moderation is on and I am not at my computer constantly, so please be patient.

Edit at 3:55 PM: Grammatical redundancies, and errors, have been cleaned up.
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Friday, December 28, 2012

"...as Christmas approaches, it seems increasingly certain that Medjugorje and its millions of believers are to get an unexpected present. A Papal Commission is getting ready to do something the Church has refused for more than three decades – and announce, finally, that the visions are authentic. At a stroke, the most controversial shrine in the Western world will become ‘official’. It is in its own way a miracle."

Such a presumptuous claim confirms my fears that underwater basket-weaving has taken the place of classes on ethics in journalism. Why bother with objective facts when you can dazzle people with subjective innuendo and intellectual dishonesty? Why not wait for the Holy Father to complete his discernment of the Medjugorje Commission's report and, "as Supreme Head of the Church, pronounce a clear message?"

Juventutem of Michigan returns to Assumption Grotto tonight for the Feast of the Holy Innocents - the infants who were slaughtered in the hunt to kill the Christ Child. Juventutem normally holds it's Mass at a given parish on the last Friday of each month and tonight it will be at the Grotto.

Fr. Robert Slaton, the newest priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit, will celebrate the Missa Cantata on the Friday of ‘Christmas Week.’

7:00 p.m. Mass will be preceded by a 6:30 Rosary, at which members will pray for an increased acceptance of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. After Mass, young adults (18-35 years old) will gather for dinner, fine conversation, and Christmas cheer at Polish Village Cafe in Hamtramck.

The buffet style feast costs us $17 per person – and $17 will be accepted, from those that bring exact change (no coins accepted!). For those who bring a Jackson, four Lincolns, a credit card, or a checkbook, the cost is $20 – the extra three dollars go to the non-food expenses of the evening (music, printed worship aids, advertisements).

[snip]The Mass is, of course, open to all ages and it is hoped that many of all ages will come.

For those going to the after-glow, please know that the Grotto gates lock soon after Mass, so don't car-pool from the parish afterwards.
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Wednesday, December 26, 2012

My Christmas header for the blog was taken about 11:50 PM on December 24, 2012 as people were arriving.

The was a Solemn High Mass (1962 Missal).

It's also the first Christmas without the table altar, leaving the parish with only the original, high altar. In past photos, the line up the center aisle, up the steps, up to the Crucifix, was broken by the table altar in the center. It now has a new home where it is well loved. Win-win.

Elevation of the Eucharist

Elevation of the Chalice, framed in an e-poster form

The celebrant drinks from the Chalice as the deacon and sub-deacon bow in reverence to Our Lord

ddd

Fr. Perrone conducts the symphony during the prelude music before the Mass.
The Mass featured Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass
(featured again this Sunday at 9:30 AM and on January 6 at Noon)

For interesting news items I don't have time to blog on, check out my Twitter Feed: @TeDeumBlog

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Take a few minutes to watch this. Hopefully, you have decent speakers. Watch it to the end. It is a beautiful version of Pueri Concinite by J. von Herbeck. It is sung by a young Jean-Baptiste Maunier of France, who is now 21. The only translation I could find was this one:

"Sing, ye children; make a joyful noise to the newborn King. Sing in a
voice of prayer. He whom Mary bore has appeared. That which Gabriel
prophesied has been fulfilled. Behold, a virgin has given birth to God,
which divine clemency willed. Today he has appeared in Israel; a King
is born from the Virgin Mary, a King is born."

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Friday, December 21, 2012

Mary Rose Maher, a parishioner at Assumption Grotto, has made a music video in memory of her cousin, who was among the young children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. Watch through to the end.

May all of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting rest peacefully in the arms of Our Lord, especially now during such a solemn time. May God grace the families with consolation. Their little ones are gone from our midst and we all mourn their loss, but we trust they are happier with God than they ever could be here on earth.

As a side note: Mary Rose starred in a locally made movie by Holy Trinity Productions, Leonie. Blessed Leonie Martin was a sister of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux who was a "difficult child." She wanted to be a religious sister and a saint, but she had to work through some difficulties. A featurette may be viewed here, and more info here. I saw the movie when it ran for several days at a local Emagine theatre and I am hopeful for it's eventual release on DVD. I'll pass info along as I get it.

For interesting news items I don't have time to blog on, check out my Twitter Feed: @TeDeumBlog

In today's Office of Readings was this beautiful reflection on the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Annunciation by St. Bernard, Abbot.

In our poorly catechized world, many do not understand the significance of Mary's fiat - her "yes" to the Angel Gabriel's message. God gives to all of us free will. Judas was free to choose greed in his pursuit of 30 pieces of silver for Jesus. Adam and Eve had free will, but chose it to disobey God on something as seemingly benign as eating fruit from a tree. God told them, "no," without giving a reason and all they had to do was accept his command on faith, but they chose their own reasoning.

Mary was given a choice. She was young and had no idea what it would bring. This was not a command, but a proposal - one that she accepted. She could have said, "no," but she did not.

Here is St. Bernard...

Second reading

From a homily In Praise of the Virgin Mother by Saint Bernard, abbot

The whole world awaits Mary’s reply

You have heard, O Virgin, that you will conceive and bear a son; you have heard that it will not be by man but by the Holy Spirit. The angel awaits an answer; it is time for him to return to God who sent him. We too are waiting, O Lady, for your word of compassion; the sentence of condemnation weighs heavily upon us.The price of our salvation is offered to you. We shall be set free at once if you consent. In the eternal Word of God we all came to be, and behold, we die. In your brief response we are to be remade in order to be recalled to life.

Tearful Adam with his sorrowing family begs this of you, O loving Virgin, in their exile from Paradise. Abraham begs it, David begs it. All the other holy patriarchs, your ancestors, ask it of you, as they dwell in the country of the shadow of death. This is what the whole earth waits for, prostrate at your feet. It is right in doing so, for on your word depends comfort for the wretched, ransom for the captive, freedom for the condemned, indeed, salvation for all the sons of Adam, the whole of your race.

Answer quickly, O Virgin. Reply in haste to the angel, or rather through the angel to the Lord. Answer with a word, receive the Word of God. Speak your own word, conceive the divine Word. Breathe a passing word, embrace the eternal Word.

Why do you delay, why are you afraid? Believe, give praise, and receive. Let humility be bold, let modesty be confident. This is no time for virginal simplicity to forget prudence. In this matter alone, O prudent Virgin, do not fear to be presumptuous. Though modest silence is pleasing, dutiful speech is now more necessary. Open your heart to faith, O blessed Virgin, your lips to praise, your womb to the Creator. See, the desired of all nations is at your door, knocking to enter. If he should pass by because of your delay, in sorrow you would begin to seek him afresh, the One whom your soul loves. Arise, hasten, open. Arise in faith, hasten in devotion, open in praise and thanksgiving. Behold the handmaid of the Lord, she says, be it done to me according to your word.

For interesting news items I don't have time to blog on, check out my Twitter Feed: @TeDeumBlog

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

From the Becket Fund which is handling many cases on the HHS mandate front:

For Immediate Release: December 18, 2012

Media Contact: Emily Hardman, 202.349.7224

Washington, D.C. — Today, a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C. handed Wheaton College and Belmont Abbey College a major victory in their challenges to the HHS mandate. Last summer, two lower courts had dismissed the Colleges’ cases as premature. Today, the appellate court reinstated those cases, and ordered the Obama Administration to report back every 60 days—starting in mid-February—until the Administration makes good on its promise to issue a new rule that protects the Colleges’ religious freedom. The new rule must be issued by March 31, 2013.

“The D.C. Circuit has now made it clear that government promises and press conferences are not enough to protect religious freedom,” said Kyle Duncan, General Counsel of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, who argued the case. “The court is not going to let the government slide by on non-binding promises to fix the problem down the road.”

The court based its decision on two concessions that government lawyers made in open court. First, the government promised “it would never enforce [the mandate] in its current form” against Wheaton, Belmont Abbey or other similarly situated religious groups. Second, the government promised it would publish a proposed new rule “in the first quarter of 2013” and would finalize it by next August. The administration made both concessions under intense questioning by the appellate judges. The court deemed the concessions a “binding commitment” and has retained jurisdiction over the case to ensure the government follows through.

“This is a win not just for Belmont Abbey and Wheaton, but for all religious non-profits challenging the mandate,” said Duncan. “The government has now been forced to promise that it will never enforce the current mandate against religious employers like Wheaton and Belmont Abbey and a federal appellate court will hold the government to its word.”

Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice. Let your modesty be known to all men: for the Lord is nigh. Be nothing solicitous: but in every thing by prayer let your petitions be made known to God. -- (Ps. 84. 2). Lord, Thou hast blessed Thy land: Thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob. V.: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice. Let your modesty be known to all men: for the Lord is nigh. Be nothing solicitous: but in every thing by prayer let your petitions be made known to God.

On this day the Church urges us to gladness in the middle of this time of expectation and penitence: the coming of Jesus approaches more and more. St. John, the holy precursor, announces to the Jews the coming of the Savior. "The Savior," he says to them, "lives already among us, though unknown. He will soon appear openly." Now is the time for fervent prayers and for imploring Jesus to remain with us by His mercy. Let us prepare the way for Him by repentance and by a worthy reception of the Sacraments. All the prayers of this Mass are filled with that which the Church wishes our souls to be possessed at the approach of the Savior.

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Friday, December 14, 2012

I would like to wish a blessed feast of St. John of the Cross to all of my brothers and sisters in Carmel. I will leave you with select quotes taken from a compilation at this site.

These first quotes come from the Ascent of Mt. Carmel:

Bk. 3. Ch. 5. #1. Moral good consists in the control of the passions and the restruction of the inordinate appetites. The result for the soul is tranquility, peace, repose, and moral virtue. The soul cannot control the passion without forgetting and withdrawing from the sources of these emotions. Disturbances never arise in a soul unless through the apprehensions of the memory. #3. The soul must go to God by not comprehending rather than by comprehending and it must exchange the mutable and comprehensible for the Immutable and Incomprehensible.

Bk. 3. Ch. 6. #3. Distress and worry ordinarily makes things worse and even does harm to the soul itself. The endurance of all with equanimity not only reaps many blessings but also helps the soul to employ the proper remedy.

This one goes with the one in my side bar.

Bk. 3. Ch. 7. #2. The more importance given to any clear apprehensions (visions, locutions, sentiments), natural or supernatural, the less capacity the soul has for entering the abyss of faith, where all else is absorbed.

A couple more...

Bk. 3. Ch. 15. #1. The aim is union with God in the memory. #2. Images will always help a person toward union with God, provided he allows himself to soar – when God bestows the favor – from the painted image to the living God.

Bk. 3. Ch. 20. #3. Cares do not bother the detached man.

These are from the Dark Night of the Soul

Ch. 11. From time to time the soul sees this flame and this enkindling grow so greatly within it that it desires God with yearning of love. #2. This love is not as a rule felt at first, but only the dryness and emptiness. The soul then experiences a habitual care and solicitude with respect to God. This Divine love begins to be enkindled in the spirit. #4. The soul enters the night of spirit in order to journey to God in pure faith, which is the means whereby the soul is united to God.Ch. 12. #2. The first and principal benefit caused by the arid and dark night of contemplation: the knowledge of oneself and of one’s misery. #3. The soul learns to commune with God with more respect and more courtesy. #4. God will enlighten the soul, giving it knowledge, not only of its lowliness and wretchedness, but of the greatness and excellence of God. He cleanses and frees the understanding that it may understand the truth. #7. From the aridities and voids of this night of the desire, the soul draws spiritual humility. #8. The soul is aware only of its own wretchedness – and esteems neighbors.

Ch. 13. It might possibly now lose, through defective use, what before it lost through excess. #3. The soul loses the strength of its passions and concupiscence and it becomes sterile because it no longer consults its likings. #5. It practices patience and longsuffering. #6. Four benefits of the dark night: delight of peace, habitual remembrance and thought of God, cleanness and purity of soul, and the practice of the virtues. #10. Often God communicates to the soul, when it is least expecting it, the purest spiritual sweetness and love, together with a spiritual knowledge which is sometimes very delicate (and cannot be perceived by sense).

Ch. 18. #4. Ordinarily that which is of the greatest profit – namely, to be ever losing oneself and becoming as nothing – is considered the worst thing possible, and that which is of least worth, which is for the soul to find consolation and sweetness, is considered best.

From the Spiritual Canticle:

Prologue. #2. Mystical wisdom, which comes through love, need not be understood distinctly… for it is given according to the mode of faith, through which we love God without understanding Him.

Stanza 1, #12. Pay no attention to anything which your faculties can grasp. You should never desire satisfaction in what you understand about God, but in what you do not understand about Him Never stop with loving and delighting in your understanding and experience of God, but love and delight in what is neither understandable nor perceptible of Him.

From the Living Flame of Love

Stanza 1, #19. God wars against all the imperfect habits of the soul and, purifying thesoul with the heat of His flame, He uproots these habits from it and prepares it so that at last He may enter it and be united with it by His sweet, peaceful and glorious love, as is the fire when it has entered the wood.

#29. Death is the ‘old man,’ namely, the employment of the faculties – memory, understanding and will – and the use and occupation of them in things of the world, and the occupation of the desires in the pleasure afforded by created things. All this and the exercise of the old life, which is the death of the new, or spiritual life… In this new life, when the soul has reached the perfection of union with God, all the desires and faculties of the soul… are changed into Divine operations. #30. Understanding is not the understanding of God. The will has now been changed into the life of Divine love. The memory has in its mind the eternal years. The desire now tastes and enjoys Divine food, being now moved by the delight of God.

#57. When God brings the soul into that emptiness and solitude where it can neither use its faculties nor make any acts, it sees that it is doing nothing and strives to do something. Therefore it becomes distracted and full of aridity and displeasure.

[2nd redaction] Stanza III. #34. Any kind of thought or meditation or pleasure would impede and disturb the soul and would introduce noise into the deep silence which the soul should observe in order to hear the deep and delicate voice in which God speaks to the heart in this secret place. #35. When the soul is led into silence, it must forget even the practice of loving advertence… it must practice that advertence only when it is not conscious of being brought into solitude or interior rest or forgetfulness. #36. Pure contemplation consists in receiving.

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Wednesday, December 12, 2012

The Holy Father sent out a series of three tweets this morning (around Noon in Rome) using his new Twitter handle @Pontifex (https://twitter.com/Pontifex). I will note that about 15 minutes before did that there were just over 675,000 followers and, as you can see in my snapshot, he added some 15,000 when I began that post a few minutes ago. When I just went to grab his homepage URL, it was up almost another 5000.

If you want to follow the Pope just open up a free Twitter.com account and follow him!

Those on Twitter may want to subscribe to my lists of bishops. I have broken them off into two separate lists - US and Non-US. If you subscribed previously, you may want to double-check that you weren't dropped when I renamed it. There are 20 US bishops tweeting and I have a list of 8 Non-US bishops. That list sticks mainly with those bishops who use at least some english. Tweet me if I am missing anyone. I added Pope Benedict to both lists. By looking at the members of each list, you can follow individually, as well. The beauty of following a list is that you can see in one click, the latest tweets by members of that list.

Today we celebrate the great feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe - patroness of the Americas. This is really an incredible story. It involves a phenomenon that is approved by the Church. From Sancta.org:

Mesoamerica, the New World, 1521: The capital city of the Aztec empire falls under the Spanish forces. Less than 20 years later, 9 million of the inhabitants of the land, who professed for centuries a polytheistic and human sacrificing religion, are converted to Christianity. What happened in those times that produced such an incredible and historically unprecedented conversion?

Friday, December 7, 2012

While Father Z and Ed Peters debate whether one Mass can count for two obligations when a holy day of obligation falls on the eve of a Sunday, I offer here the Mass schedule for Assumption Grotto for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, which is tomorrow, December 8th.

6:30 AM 9:30 AM NOON

I didn't ask, but I'm assuming the 9:30 will be using the 1962 Missal as it does on Sundays.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDec 6, 2012 Feast of the Immaculate ConceptionWHAT: A holy day of obligation for all Catholics, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrates the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the womb of Saint Anne, and recognizes that our Blessed Mother was sinless from the first moment of her life.WHO: Check your parish for Mass times. Scripture readings for the feast day can be found on the U.S. Bishops’ website at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120812.cfm.WHEN: Saturday, December 8, 2012WHERE: Celebrated by Catholics throughout the United States and the world.

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Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Every time another controversy erupts on the web over something at the National Catholic Reporter's (NCR) website, reasonable people ask why they are still using the Catholic name. I believe this was addressed by the responsible bishop in 1968, but few know about it. Perhaps it's because it is buried. But why?

Some years ago I stumbled upon what appears to be an official condemnation of the National Catholic Reporter by Bishop Charles H. Helmsing of Kansas City-St. Joseph (Mo) diocese, which is the geographical diocese of the NCR. His charge was that the paper was heretical. In that same statement the bishop publicly demanded that NCR cease using the Catholic name. The statement is written in a way that might make some cringe today, but I'll take frank any day over ambiguous which is the delight of the Angel of Darkness. There must be a chapter on such things in C.S. Lewis', The Screwtape Letters.

I am copying full text of that statement in this post. In the past, I kept linking to something obscure only to find the domain expired and it was forever lost. The text below comes from the following webpage, where you will also find newspaper articles related to the statement: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=00Cofv

One more important point: Please don't confuse the dissenting National Catholic Reporter with the other NCR, the faithful National Catholic Register.

Here is the statement. After you read it, I will have some additional thoughts and questions below.

Following is the text of a statement issued by Bishop Charles H. Helmsing of Kansas City - St. Joseph (Mo) Diocese. The statement pertains to the National Catholic Reporter, which is published in the diocese and is an outgrowth of its diocesan newspaper

The Catholic Reporter, formerly the official newspaper of the Kansas City - St. Joseph, was begun by my predecessor under a policy of editorial freedom. That policy of editorial freedom [I] endorsed on my appointment as bishop of Kansas City - St. Joseph. When the National Catholic Reporter was launched, that original policy of editorial freedom was announced as basic to the new publication.

At all times it was presumed that the policy of editorial freedom was none other than that legitimate liberty declared and defended by the Second Vatican Council in its Declaration on Religious Liberty, further defined in the conciliar Decree on Communications, and, likewise, defended in the Constitution on the Church in the Modern World. It could not imply that pseudo-freedom from man's obligations to his Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier in vogue under the standard of the 19th century liberalism. It could not imply, as a conciliar declaration on religious liberty clearly states, freedom in the moral order. As Cardinal Koenig pointed out in his recent address to editors, there is a legitimate freedom of opinion to be exercised by the Catholic press so long as it is absolutely loyal to the Church's teachings. If an editor is to merit the name "Catholic," he must remember "to think with the Church."

As long as the Catholic editor carries the name Catholic, he can never forget that he is a teacher of Christ's revelation. What he writes necessarily touches on faith -- that gift of the Holy Spirit which "we carry in earthen vessels" and by which we accept Christ, the Word of God Incarnate, and His revelation.

The Catholic editor must manifest a reverence which must shine through in his attitude and in his every expression. The Gospel is clear on the destructive effects of ridicule, for example, in recounting of the taunts hurled at Simon Peter: "You also were with Jesus of Nazareth," and their effects on him who, once converted, was to confirm his brethren.

As the editors of the National Catholic Reporter know, I have tried as their pastor, responsible for their eternal welfare, and that of those whom they influence, to guide them on a responsible course in harmony with Catholic teachings. When private conferences were of no avail, as is well known, I had to issue a public reprimand for their policy of crusading against the Church's teachings on the transmission of human life, and against the Gospel values of sacred virginity and dedicated celibacy as taught by the Church.

NOW, AS a last resort, I am forced as bishop to issue a condemnation of the National Catholic Reporterfor its disregard and denial of the most sacred values of our Catholic faith. Within recent months the National Catholic Reporter has expressed itself in belittling the basic truths expressed in the Creed of Pope Paul VI; it has made itself a platform for the airing of heretical views on the Church and its divinely constituted structure, as taught by the First and Second Vatican Councils. Vehemently to be reprobated was the airing in recent editions of an attack on the perpetual virginity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the virgin birth of Christ, by one of its contributors.

Finally, it has given lengthy space to a blasphemous and heretical attack on the Vicar of Christ. It is difficult to see how well instructed writers who deliberately deny and ridicule dogmas of our Catholic faith can possibly escape the guilt of the crime defined in Canon 1325 on heresy, and how they can escape the penalties of automatic excommunication entailed thereby.

In fairness to our Catholic people, I hereby issue an official condemnation of the National Catholic Reporter. Furthermore, I send this communication to my brother bishops, and make known to the priests, religious and laity of the nation my views on the poisonous character of this publication.

As a bishop, a member of the college of bishops, and one in union with the head of the college, Christ's Vicar on earth, I proclaim with my brother bishops that the Church is, indeed, always in need of reform. This reform is a matter of putting on the mind of Christ, as St. Paul declared, through our contemplation of Christ in His teachings and through our loyalty to the teachings of the Church so painstakingly expressed in recent years in the constitutions, decrees and declarations of the Second Vatican Council.

The status of the world when our Lord came was a deplorable one. We are not surprised that the status of man, wounded by original sin, remains deplorable as long as he does not heed the voice of Christ and his authoritative teacher, his Church. Sociological studies, according to modern techniques, can help us appreciate the status quo -- the exact thinking and acting and attitudes of our people. For this we are grateful. But it is a total reversal of our Divine Lord's policy to imagine for a moment that the disclosure of attitudes through such surveys becomes the norm of human conduct or thinking.

Christ and His apostles preached first and foremost penance, metanoia, the change of mind and heart. The Church continues to do so today, but it finds itself increasingly more frustrated in its teaching of the ideals of our Lord by the type of reporting, editorializing and ridicule that have become the week-after-week fare of the National Catholic Reporter.

IN AS MUCH as the National Catholic Reporterdoes not reflect the teaching of the Church, but on the contrary, has openly and deliberately opposed this teaching. I ask the editors in all honesty to drop the term "Catholic" from their masthead. By retaining it they deceive their Catholic readers and do a great disservice to ecumenism by being responsible for the false irenicism of watering down Catholic teachings.

I further ask the editors and the board of directors, for the love of God and their fellow men, to change their misguided and evil policy; for it is evident to me that they have already caused untold harm to the faith and morals not only of our laity, but of too many of our priests and religious.

I make this statement with apostolic freedom as given by our Lord to His followers; I make it conscious of the heavy burden that is mine as a bishop, as one enjoined by the Holy Spirit through the pen of St. Paul: "Reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine; for there will come a time when they will not endure the sound doctrines; but having itching ears, will heap up to themselves teachers according to their own lust, and they will turn away their hearing from the truth and will turn aside rather to fables." (2 Tim. 4:2-4)
----------------
Notes:
The underline and bold attributes have been applied to the text for emphasis.
A single underline denotes a capitalization not in the original copy.
The [I] is what probably was under a small (2 space) blank spot on the original copy.
The original had "II Tim. 4." instead of "(2 Tim. 4:2-4)"Bishop Charles H. HelmsingHierarchy info here

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1) If that statement is legitimate, should it not be displayed on the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph website? The language may seem harsh, but it leaves no doubt in anyone's mind that anything published at NCR is not reliable.

2) Why is NCR included in the list of clients on Twitter (under NCRonline) of the Catholic News Service (CNS), which is the reporting arm of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops? Also noteworthy is that while sources like NCR, which have worked against the bishops and the Church, are in that client list, faithful and popular sources like EWTN, Catholic News Agency, Catholic Culture, and the National Catholic Register, among others, are not in the list, even though articles by, and interviews with, US bishop can be found there. I think the USCCB needs someone with enough media savvy to look through all of these details, and through that list of clients. A faithful, knowledgable Catholic shouldn't need a 1968 condemnation of the NCR to know it is wrong to promote anything from that site. While John Allen may write some excellent and solid articles, Catholics who are not properly formed, wandering around that site after reading his column, will find many ways to be led astray.

3) The US bishops need to be clear about their position on sources using the Catholic name illegitimately. Now that sources are not bound by geographical location and are viewed internationally, the USCCB's website should have a page with a list of sites that have been the subject of bishops' statements. A diocese would send a link for the official notice that is on the diocesan website and it would be added to an alphabetical list at the USCCB's website. Such a list could mitigate the media's use of certain sources which are known for their attacks on Catholic teaching. It would be a one-stop shop for everyone to see which sites, originating out of the US, are not reliable. I'm talking strictly dogmatic and doctrinal matters here, not matters of style.

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Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron

St. John of the Cross

Dark Night of the Soul (2.2:3)...

"...the devil causes many to believe in vain visionsand false prophecies; and strives to make them presumethat God and the saints are speaking with them; and they often trust their own fancy. And the devil is also accustomed, in this state, to fill them with presumption and pride, so that they become attracted by vanity and arrogance, and allow themselves to be seen engaging in outward acts which appear holy, such as raptures and other manifestations. Thus they become bold with God, and lose holy fear, which is the key and the custodian of all the virtues; and in some of these souls so many are the falsehoods and deceits which tend to multiply, and so inveterate do they grow, that it is very doubtful if such souls will return to the pure road of virtue and true spirituality."